Governor Bago Approves Six-Month Maternity Leave for Nursing Mothers in Niger State Civil Service

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has approved a six-month maternity leave for nursing mothers in the state’s civil service.

The announcement, made during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Minna, is expected to provide much-needed support to mothers, allowing them time to recover after childbirth and focus on their newborns.

Governor Bago explained that the extended maternity leave is in line with global best practices and is aimed at promoting maternal and child health.

By ensuring that nursing mothers have sufficient time to care for themselves and their babies, the policy seeks to improve the well-being of both mothers and infants, thereby contributing to healthier families in the state.

The Governor directed the Head of Service, Abubakar Sadiq Idris, to develop and implement detailed guidelines and procedures for the smooth rollout of the policy.

This initiative, which comes as part of the Bago administration’s commitment to enhancing social welfare programs, will have far-reaching implications for women in the state’s workforce.

The six-month maternity leave is seen as a progressive step that not only addresses the challenges of balancing work and motherhood but also serves as a model that could inspire other states across Nigeria to adopt similar policies.

Reactions from various sectors have been overwhelmingly positive.

Many have commended the governor for his commitment to women’s empowerment and for taking concrete steps to improve the work environment for mothers.

The new policy is anticipated to make a significant impact on the lives of working mothers in Niger State, encouraging a more inclusive and supportive approach to family life in the workplace.

This move is also expected to raise awareness on the importance of maternal and child health, underscoring the state’s role in leading social change.